Farnham Pilgrim Half Marathon 2024
Last Sunday, Farnham Town Running Club once again had a fantastic turnout for the Farnham Pilgrim Half Marathon, a scenic but tough course winding through the Surrey Hills. The day began with perfect running conditions – cool and crisp – and the team was excited to tackle the varied terrain.
This year’s FTRC participants included Sophie McGuinness, Zoe Davies, Laura Bartlett, Sharon Robinson, Pete Mulley, Martin Hill, Lee McGavin, Jon Cooper, Jack Jeffrey, Mike, and our trusty tail runner, Philip Potter. Spirits were high at the start, with everyone eager to take on the hills, woodlands, and countryside views that make this race so special.
The course didn’t disappoint, with its mix of challenging climbs and rewarding downhills, all framed by the stunning Surrey Hills scenery. From quiet lanes to shaded woodland paths, there was plenty to take in, and the cool weather kept us comfortable as we navigated the more demanding sections of the race. The marshals and volunteers were brilliant, offering water and encouragement, ensuring we kept moving forward with smiles.
The support from the local community was a huge boost, and as we pushed through the final kilometres, the finish line in Seale was a welcome sight. Most of us finished just as the weather began to change. After a cool and crisp start, most of us were fortunate to finish in dry conditions. However, just as Philip, our tail runner, approached the finish line, the skies finally opened, and the rain began to fall.
Despite the sudden rain, the atmosphere post-race remained upbeat. Many of us headed for some well-earned coffee, bacon rolls, and a well-deserved post-race massage courtesy of Lake Therapy. The rain didn’t dampen the spirits of the FTRC team or the sense of accomplishment we all felt after conquering the course.
This year, 145 runners completed the full marathon and 206 took on the Farnham Pilgrim Half Marathon. For FTRC, times ranged from 1:45:17, with Lee finishing in 10th and Jon just 4 seconds behind in 11th place, to 3:40:13, with Phil as the final finisher.
A massive thank you to all the event organisers, volunteers, and marshals who helped make the day a success. It was another fantastic Pilgrims Half Marathon, and we’re already looking forward to next year!
Team FTRC excelled, finishing strong and celebrating our achievements with pride. A big thank you to everyone who crossed the line and to our incredible supporters and marshals.
This race report comes to you from Sophie McGuinness – see you at the next race!